"The numbers clustered since 1999 due to budget problems and 55pc of the applications were submitted less than five years ago, while 45 per cent are old," he told MPs as he appeared in parliament.

"We are planning to give out 33,500 homes across Bahrain within the next five years as work goes on in East Hidd for 4,500 homes, 5,000 homes in Sitra, 15,000 at the Northern Town and 11,000 homes in other projects across the kingdom.

"Currently, there are plans for 4,000 homes in the Southern Governorate, 1,800 homes in the whole of Buhair, 3,200 in Salmabad and 830 in Louzy, near Hamad Town,” he added.